How We Can Support the Beauty of Taverham Mill

I know I spend way too much money on coffee (and that is never going to change!).

Whether I’m visiting a café to work on my website, catching up with my friend who I haven’t seen in ages, or needing a pick-me-up on the way to work, coffee is always the answer!

I don’t know about you, but I am always on the lookout for a new independent café to try (any excuse for an oat hazelnut latte!).

For me, grabbing a coffee isn’t just getting my caffeine fix, it’s about taking a break from the stress of everyday life, slowing down and appreciating the small things in life.

And, what’s a better day out than supporting an independent café, grabbing a coffee and cake and taking a wander around a picturesque nature reserve?

I recently caught up with Harry Waye-Barker, the Reserve and Fisheries Manager at Taverham Mill, to discuss the beauty of Taverham Mill, the recent renovation of their café, what we can look forward to when visiting and how we can show our support to the future of the nature reserve.

When did Taverham Mill open?

Taverham Mill Nature Reserve opened in 2014.

However, there has always been a fishery on the site prior to Anglian Water owning the reserve. It was a fishery on both the river and gravel pits.

What can we look forward to when visiting Taverham Mill?

Taverham Mill is a beautiful mixed habitat incorporating, woodland, water meadows, gravel pits, the river Wensum and a herd of grazing Highland cattle.

There is a lovely cafe and visitor centre in the heart of the reserve with a weir pool and playground that is free to access all year round. The nature trail offers day permits and annual permits.

In the warmer months visitors can hire canoes from the reserve and get a unique view on the site from the river Wensum.

How important was the recent renovation of your café to your growth?

Our cafe has brought lots of new visitors to the reserve.

It serves the community better than we have done in the past and it is lovely to see people eating and drinking down at Taverham Mill. Already this year we have seen a huge rise in visitor numbers.

Where does the money from the café and nature reserve go to?

All our revenue goes back into the conservation of Taverham Mill, improved offer and wider parks and recreation sector.

We are fortunate to be able to re-invest any profit back into the parks.

How vital is the work of volunteers to Taverham Mill?

A huge part of our work is delivered by volunteers.

We are so fortunate to have a regular group of dedicated volunteers who deliver valuable conservation work and site improvements at Taverham Mill.

Some volunteers are daily and others just once or twice a month.

What does it take to look after/ preserve the beauty of Taverham Mill?

A lot of love and passion for the reserve and its habitats.

We are very lucky to have a team of staff and volunteers who genuinely care for this beautiful environment.

It is this passion that continually pushes the site forward year on year.

Too many of us spend most of our lives online, meaning we can often forget to take in the beauty of nature.

How does Taverham Mill offer an opportunity for us to get outside, help our mental health and catch up with friends and family?

Getting out in nature is so important for our wellbeing. Just a half hour walk can be the salvation we need to tackle a difficult and busy life.

I believe Taverham Mill is vitally important to the community and visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

How important has social media been to the growth of Taverham Mill?

Highly important.

As much as it can be a drag, we have seen improved footfall of the back of regular social media posts and activity.

We try to keep our content interesting and current. We are lucky that many visitors share such lovely images of the reserve.

What do you hope to achieve this year?

An improved food offer in our cafe. Potentially some pizza evenings in the future and a busy year on our canoe hires.

We also look forward to Easter when our gorgeous herd of Highland cattle return.

How can we show our support to Taverham Mill?

Visit us, use the cafe, join the reserve as members or even enquire about volunteering opportunities.

We love to hear from you on our social channels, and I hope to see you enjoying a coffee in the cafe soon.

To keep up to date with the work of, and show your support to, Taverham Mill, you can check out their Instagram (@taverham_mill)!